The Vikings' patient free agency approach almost took an aggressive turn that would have appeased a fan base hungry for more playmakers on offense.

The Vikings made a strong push to sign free-agent wide receiver Pierre Garcon, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation, but weren't willing to match the Washington Redskins' five-year, $42.5 million deal with $21.5 million guaranteed that ultimately secured the former Indianapolis Colt.

One source said the Vikings were among the "top three teams" vying for Garcon, calling shortly after free agency opened at 4 p.m. EST on March 13, prepared to make a competitive offer. But the Redskins' sizable offer locked up Garcon within a few hours.

Even upon hearing about Garcon's rapidly growing market, the Vikings still considered ways to make it work. They had cleared around $23 million in salary cap space, cutting a trio of starters the weekend before free agency.

The Vikings had stayed away from the top cornerbacks on the market, Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan. They had moved on from wide receiver Vincent Jackson, for whom they tried to trade in 2010 but who is now 29 and doesn't match the Vikings' rebuilding plan.

But the team liked the way Garcon would have complemented young quarterback Christian Ponder and do-it-all receiver Percy Harvin with his downfield speed and versatility.

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At 25, Garcon fit the Vikings' youth movement, and his 2011 performance - 70 catches for 947 yards and six touchdowns despite playing all season without Peyton Manning - showed the makings of an ascending player.

Garcon liked the possibility of playing for the Vikings, too, according to a source, but he wanted to sign on the first day, and the Redskins made that easy for him. The Cleveland Browns also made a run at Garcon, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Once Garcon was out of play, the Vikings turned their attention to former Seattle Seahawks tight end John Carlson, persuading him to leave Kansas City, where he was visiting the Chiefs, and sign with Minnesota.

On March 14, Carlson, who grew up in Litchfield, Minn., and the Vikings reached an agreement on a five-year, $25 million deal that includes $11 million guaranteed.

The team has signed nine players during this free agency period, mostly at sensible prices. Defensive tackle Letroy Guion was the biggest in-house signing at three years, $9 million.

Former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz (one year, $1.5 million) could become the starter at right guard, and former Chicago Bears cornerback Zack Bowman (one year) could carve out a role in the secondary.

Running back Lex Hilliard and fullback Jerome Felton were signed for backfield depth.

With the high-profile wide receivers of free agency already signed, the Vikings' best chance to bolster the passing game will be through the draft next month.